JAMMU, Jun 25: Renowned human rights activist Om Parkash Khajuria has welcomed the Government’s proposal for the Extension, Renovation and Modernization (ERM) of the historic Ranbir Canal, describing the Rs 998.76-crore project as a landmark initiative that can rejuvenate agriculture, strengthen water security and help restore the traditional quality and aroma of the famous R.S. Pura Basmati rice.In a statement issued here today, Khajuria said the project validates long-standing demands for ensuring adequate flow of Chenab waters through the Ranbir Canal system, which has historically sustained the fertile agricultural belt of R.S. Pura and adjoining areas.
He pointed out that contrary to popular belief, R.S. Pura Basmati has not yet received a separate Geographical Indication (GI) tag despite its distinct identity and reputation. He observed that Pakistan’s Basmati varieties have gained wider international recognition largely due to assured irrigation from Chenab waters, whereas farmers in the R.S. Pura belt have been facing challenges owing to irregular water supply and declining canal flows.
“Chenab water is the lifeline of the R.S. Pura Basmati belt. The unique fragrance, grain quality and traditional character of the crop are closely linked with the mineral-rich waters of the river. Ensuring regular supply of Chenab water through the Ranbir Canal system is essential for preserving the legacy and competitiveness of our Basmati,” Khajuria said.He noted that inadequate canal water availability over the years has forced many farmers to depend on tube wells, electric pumps and diesel-operated irrigation systems, resulting in excessive extraction of groundwater and increasing cultivation costs.
Khajuria stressed that along with modernization of the main canal, the Government should formulate a comprehensive mechanism for regular desilting and cleaning of water channels and khals so that irrigation water reaches every agricultural field efficiently. He said poor maintenance of distributaries and field channels often results in substantial water losses and deprives tail-end farmers of their rightful share.
He further maintained that for effective irrigation in R.S. Pura Tehsil, the Ranbir Canal should carry around 1,600 cusecs of water, equivalent to nearly 7.5 feet depth, particularly during the peak agricultural season. This, he said, would ensure adequate water availability for farmers across the command area.Khajuria also emphasized the need for proper management of the entry gates of Division-I and Division-II of the Ranbir Canal by competent and accountable staff to ensure timely discharge of water whenever required and to prevent unnecessary wastage during periods of low demand.
He called for deployment of adequate field staff to regularly inspect canal embankments, distributaries and nallahs to check leakages, breaches and unauthorized diversions that lead to significant water losses.”The success of the modernization project will depend not only on infrastructure upgrades but also on efficient management, regular maintenance and scientific water distribution. Every drop of Chenab water must reach the farmers for whom it is meant,” he asserted.
Khajuria expressed hope that the modernization project would improve irrigation efficiency, enhance agricultural productivity, reduce dependence on groundwater, raise the water table and safeguard drinking water resources for future generations.Describing the Ranbir Canal as a historic asset of the Jammu region, he urged the Central Water Commission and the Union Government to expedite approval and implementation of the project so that its benefits reach farmers without delay.
“The modernization of the Ranbir Canal is an investment in agriculture, water conservation, rural prosperity and the preservation of the rich Basmati heritage of R.S. Pura. With proper management and assured Chenab water supply, it can transform the agricultural economy of the region and secure the future of thousands of farming families,” Khajuria added.